A group of Blackhawks fans were kicked out of Saturday game in Chiacgo against the Capitals for directing racist remarks at an African-American player.

When Washington's Devante Smith-Pelly was in the penalty box during the third period, four Chicago fans who had seats near the glass yelled "basketball, basketball, basketball" at the forward, according to The Washington Post.

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All four of the fans were removed from the arena.

Smith-Pelly did not make a statement following his team's 7-1 loss, but Caps coach Barry Trotz did.

"There's absolutely no place in the game of hockey or our country for racism," he said. "I think it's disgusting, and there's no place for it. Athletes in our country don't deserve that. It just shows ignorance."

The Blackhawks released a statement acknowledging the incident.

Devante Smith-Pelly did not make a statement following his team’s 7-1 loss. (Jeff Haynes/AP)

"We apologize to Smith-Pelly and the Washington Capitals organization," the team said. "We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for everyone who attends out games and these actions will never be tolerated."

The NHL followed up with a statement condemning the "unacceptable and reprehensible behavior" of the fans early Sunday.

"Last night in Chicago, individuals directed racial taunts and abuse at Washington Capitals player Devante Smith-Pelly," said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. "The National Hockey League condemns this unacceptable and reprehensible behavior. The League fully supports the actions taken by the United Center and the Blackhawks to eject the offenders and would expect the same response to any similarly unacceptable behavior at any of our arenas.

"While this incident was isolated in nature, no player, coach, official or fan should ever have to endure such abuse at one of our games. The League will take steps to have our clubs remind all stakeholders that they are entitled to enjoy a positive environment — free from unacceptable, inappropriate, disruptive, inconsiderate or unruly behaviors or actions and may not engage in conduct deemed detrimental to that experience."